India vs England: Injured Haseeb Hameed to fly back, Cook loses opening partner

While skipper Alastair Cook was clearly disappointed with the loss in Mohali to go down 0-2 in the India vs England series, a bigger jolt followed as Haseeb Hameed, who injured his finger during the match, is flying back home.

Alastair Cook was clearly disappointed with his team’s meek surrender in the third Test at the PCA Stadium here on Tuesday. A bigger jolt followed for the England skipper -- the news of his debutant opener Haseeb Hameed forced to return back home after injuring his finger. (SCORECARD)

Haseeb Hameed, who was injured, decided to bat in the second innings. He scored an unbeaten 59 off 156 balls coming in at No 8. (REUTERS)

Haseeb Hameed has been the find of the tour for England. Despite injury concerns, the opener decided to bat in the second innings, scoring a gutsy, unbeaten 59 off 156 balls at the No 8 position to give England something to fight for. (HIGHLIGHTS)

England managed to take a 102-run lead which was comfortably chased down by the Indian batsmen.

Alastair Cook hailed Haseeb Hameed’s bold decision to bat despite injuring his little finger.

“Haseeb showed a lot of character to come out and bat. Unfortunately, he has to go home. Haseeb showing character was a positive,” Cook said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

In his debut Test at Rajkot, Hameed impressed everyone with his unflappable defense. The 19-year-old Bolton-based teenager scored 31 and 82 in the first Test.

Hameed’s injury has only compounded Cook’s problems as the English think-tank would have to decide on another opener after dropping Ben Duckett for the third Test.